Cart Blanche A kiosk or cart could be the perfect low-cost site for your start-up.
Carts and kiosks have become familiar sights in American malls,selling everything from inexpensive gift items to pricey jewelryand artwork. They make mall space affordable for the small-businessowner, and the mall operators benefit from extra rent and a widervariety of merchandise.
Carts and kiosks have contributed to one of the hottest trendsin retailing-temporary tenants. Most often these are seasonalbusinesses that only need to be open for a limited time. Forexample, a specialty candy shop may open just before Christmas,remain open through Valentine's Day, Easter and Mother'sDay, then close for the remainder of the year. Some temporarytenants occupy traditional storefront space, but most opt for cartsor kiosks. The most popular site for a temporary operation is abusy mall, but many operators are also finding success in airportsand other transportation facilities, at sporting events, and atother creative venues limited only by their imagination and abilityto strike a deal with the property manager.
Consider using carts and kiosks to test your product in a retailsetting before making the larger investment in a traditional store.Styles range from simple to elaborate; whatever you choose, be sureit's attractive, well-lighted and functional.
Excerpted from Start Your Own Business: The Only Start-UpBook You'll Ever Need, by Rieva Lesonsky and the Staff ofEntrepreneur Magazine, © 1998 Entrepreneur Press
